Praised for its �teachability,� Thinking Through Communication provides an excellent, balanced introduction
to basic theories and principles of communication, making sense of a complex field through a variety of approaches.
In an organized and coherent manner, Thinking Through Communication covers a full range of topics�from the history
of communication study to the methods used by current communication scholars to understand human interaction. The
text explores communication in a variety of traditional contexts: interpersonal, group, organizational, public,
intercultural, computer-mediated communication and the mass media. This edition also offers new insights public
speaking and listening. This text can be used successfully in both theory- and skills-based courses.
Written in a clear, lively style, Trenholm's overall approach�including her use of examples and interesting illustrations�helps
both majors and non-majors alike develop a better understanding of communication as a field of study and an appreciation
for ways in which communication impacts their daily lives.
Features
Comprehensive coverage of basic theories and principles in important communication contexts provides students
with a thorough introduction to the field and an understanding of the role of communication in their lives.
Clear organization and a straightforward approach make this text very easy for the classroom teacher to build
on basics by adding his/her own material.
Chapter 1, �The Communication Tradition,� clarifies the nature of the field and emphasizes its rich traditions
and history.
The use of many cross-cultural examples throughout the book, as well as an entire chapter on intercultural
communication (Ch. 12), emphasize the global nature of communication.
Materials on emerging communication technologies appear in context in specific chapter sections and show students
how computer-mediated communication affects every aspect of communication, from interpersonal to mass communication.
�Methods of Discovery,� featured in Chapter 13, introduces students to research methods in a clear and engaging
manner.
Increased discussion of computer-mediated communication and its effect on interpersonal, group, organizational,
and public communication, prompts students to be more conscious of using the appropriate media in the appropriate
setting (Chs. 6-10).
Discussion of the research on gender and communication helps students avoid stereotypes and think critically
about language and gender.
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION.
1. The Communication Tradition.
In the Time of Aristotle: A Brief History of Communication Study.
Communication Today: Contemporary Departments of Rhetoric and Communication Theory.
2. Definitions, Models, and Perspectives.
Defining Communication.
How Models Help Us Understand Communication.
It All Depends on Your Point of View: Three Perspectives.
What to Look for When You Look at Communication.
II. LISTENING AND LANGUAGE.
3. Decoding Messages: Perception, Information Processing, and Listening.
What Is Perception?
Information Processing: Communicating for Clarity.
Listening: How Receivers Can Improve Decoding.
4. Encoding Messages: Spoken Language.
What Is Language?
The Subsystems of Language.
Pragmatic Styles and Structures.
Language and Social Identity.
Language Choices and Pragmatic Effects.
5. Encoding Messages: Nonverbal Communication.
What Is Nonverbal Communication?
The Nonverbal Codes.
Increasing Nonverbal Skills.
III. COMMUNICATION CONTEXTS.
6. Interpersonal Communication.
What Is Interpersonal Communication?
Managing Interpersonal Communication.
Relational Development: Stages in Intimate Dyads.
Increasing Relational Skills.
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator.
7. Group Communication.
What Is a Group?
Managing Group Communication.
Group Development: Phases in Problem-Solving Groups.
Strengthening Group Discussion Skills.
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator.
8. Organizational Communication.
What is an Organization?
Managing Organizational Communication.
Developing Organizational Culture.
Increasing Organizational Skills.
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator.
9. Public Communication.
What Is Public Communication?
Audience Adaptation and Source Credibility.
Constructing Valid Arguments.
Preparing and Presenting the Public Speech.
Increasing Public Speaking Skills.
10. Communication and the Mass Media.
What Is Mass Communication?
How Audiences and Media Messages Interact.
Media Formats and Logics.
Computer Mediated Communication
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator
11. Intercultural Communication.
What Is Culture?
Barriers to Intercultural Communication.
Adapting to New Cultures.
Becoming a More Open Communicator.
Appendix: Methods of Discovery.
How Is Communication Research Done?
Five Popular Research Methods.
Learning More about Communication.
Author Index.
Subject Index.
